It’s interesting to think about fear as a character — I’m not talking main-character energy, just its own little supporting cast member. No matter what stage in life we are navigating, our little frenemy “fear” seems to be necessary for change and growth. No matter what table we are seated at, fear is pulling up a chair at the same table. Recently, one of my kids had asked me how to get over fear. I was stunned by the question. How do we “get over fear?” Well, we do whatever is scaring us and show fear the door? However, that’s not entirely possible, is it? Fear always comes back when the next “thing” comes up. So, I guess the answer is—we don’t. I met my teen’s gaze and said, that’s how you know you are doing life right. A healthy amount of fear grounds us, keeps us humble, and most importantly gives us something to celebrate. It may be worth keeping that frenemy close and embracing that supporting character energy.

If you feel as though fear is present and acknowledging fear may be the antidote to succumbing to it, Thich Nhat Hanh’s Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm may be just what you are looking for. This renowned author, spiritual leader and peace activist recognizes we all experience fear and it is not avoiding fear that is key, it is learning how to avoid having our lives shaped by fear that is essential. He says, “The only way to ease our fear and be truly happy is to acknowledge our fear and look deeply at its source. Instead of trying to escape from our fear, we can invite it up to our awareness and look at it clearly and deeply.” This book also offers readers a number of breathing techniques and mediations to process fear. Check it out here.

If Thich Nhat Hanh isn’t your cup of tea, check out Gabrielle Bernstein’s The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith. Bernstein is a best-selling author and renowned speaker. The book spends time explaining the importance of clearing space and energy—including fear—to truly tap into what the universe is trying to manifest for each of us individually. Bernstein spends time talking about fear being tied to uncertainty and how we attempt to control our circumstances, disconnecting from our true intuition and inner wisdom. In the end, who doesn’t want to trust the universe and tap into their own intuition? Check it out here: https://gabbybernstein.com/universe-has-your-back/ 

Not in the mood for a read? Check out the Tim Ferriss Show podcast episode, “How the Best Overcome Fear.” Ferriss is a successful entrepreneur and a productivity guru. He has been listed as one of Fortune’s “40 under 40” as well as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Business People. Ferriss talks about the importance of identifying our fears when working towards success. In this episode, Ferriss talks about handling fear and interviews Sir Richard Branson, Maria Sharapova and Vince Vaughn on how they’ve battled their fears through different stages of their lives. Give it a listen here: https://tim.blog/2018/02/06/the-tim-ferriss-show-transcripts-how-the-best-overcome-fear/ 

Stay tuned for next month’s post, which will feature brand-new resources to explore.

Kate is a member of several AFC circles. She is an avid reader who enjoys sharing exciting, new resources focusing on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Kate is a freelance writer residing in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and three teenage children.